THE LION SEAL AND THE HOLY SPIRIT

By Dr M. R. Dowler

In 2012 the discovery of an ancient coin-like seal at Beth Shemesh in the Judean hills of Israel was reported in the news and technical journals around the world. The stone object, slightly smaller than a penny depicts a crude engraving of a large feline attacking a long-haired unarmed man. Some biblical archaeologists were excited at the find because it seems to be the only tangible validation of the biblical story of Samson killing a lion with his bare hands.

Not everyone is convinced of the authenticity of the object named the Lion Seal. But archaeologists connected with the Beth Shemesh dig make two salient points---one, the coin dates to the Eleventh Century BC matching the same time of Samson’s life; and two, Beth Shemesh (and the Sorek River valley where the coin was found) lies near Zorah, Samson’s hometown. If this stone object is indeed a crude rendering of Samson’s famous fight with the large feline, it also points to a valid theological principle.

Pneumatology is the study of the person and work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is undoubtedly the most misunderstood and least appreciated member of the Trinity. And whereas the Holy Spirit performs many tasks in the lives of all born-again believers, there are several areas of doctrinal disagreement among sincere believers. One particular area of contention concerns the indwelling of the Spirit versus the temporary resting of the Spirit.

Theologically, at present the Holy Spirit indwells all believers (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 3:16). In Old Testament times, the Holy Spirit merely rested on the believer. Simply stated, the Holy Spirit was not a permanent resident in the lives of Old Testament saints (Judges 3:10; 6:34; 11:29; 14:6, 19 and 15:14-15). The Lion Seal may validate the story of the Holy Spirit resting “upon” the Israelite strongman in a time of imminent danger (Judges 14:5-6), but we today can rejoice in His constant indwelling presence. Think about it.